Waterloo leaders add specifics to 'ban the box' ordinance

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 10:00 AM

Corridor Business Journal: Waterloo employers are learning more about the city's "Fair Chance Ordinance," which will make it the first Iowa community to join the national ban-the-box movement when it takes effect next year. After heated debate, the city council on Monday passed amendments to the ordinance, originally passed Oct. 7. The ordinance states that businesses with 15 or more employees can't ask job candidates about their criminal backgrounds prior to extending an offer of employment. Radio Iowa reports that the amendments clarify that employers are required to follow federal and state laws on background checks, and outlines the required procedures to investigate businesses suspected of violating the ordinance. A bipartisan statewide ban-the-box bill was introduced during the state's last legislative session, the Gazette reported, although it failed to become law.